An India-based, automobile-focused joint venture between APL Logistics and VASCOR Automotive has ordered more rail capacity after securing deals with original equipment manufacturers that intend to use the joint venture’s AutoLinxSM product.
The product, scheduled to be operational by mid-2014, provides finished vehicle distribution across India on covered double-decker rail wagons with adjustable middle decks and lock mechanisms. The door-to-door service includes collection of finished vehicles from OEMs plants, vehicle loading and unloading at terminals, long-distance rail haulage and last-mile delivery. APL Logistics VASCOR said it is supplemented by tracking and inventory management systems that allow OEMs complete visibility of their finished vehicles.
The capacity comes in the form of three so-called rail “rakes,” essentially, a set of wagons capable of carrying more than 300 vehicles each. The first is set to be delivered to the Delhi-based entity in three months, with the other two to come in subsequent months.
India is predicted to be the world’s third-largest automotive industry by 2020, with an 8-percent share in the global passenger vehicle market.
“The investment in the rakes is significant as it allows us to move closer to offering our customers in India another innovative solution in finished vehicle distribution,” said Bill Villalon, APL Logistics’ senior vice president of automotive and chairman of the joint venture.